EP 216: FuturePod - Global South Futures - Shermon Cruz and Katindi Sivi
Feb 20, 2025
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Shermon Cruz, co-founder of the Global South Futures community, and Katindi Sivi, a Nairobi-based futurist, dive into the need for better representation in futures discussions. They discuss the emerging Global South Futures community's role in decolonizing foresight practices, emphasizing the integration of diverse cultural insights. The conversation touches on reconciling past injustices with future possibilities, the importance of inclusivity in shaping narratives, and calls to action for active participation in this new communitarian approach.
The establishment of the Global South Futures Community aims to amplify underrepresented voices in foresight, fostering inclusive and collaborative knowledge-sharing practices.
Decolonizing foresight involves integrating diverse cultural perspectives and restorative practices to reshape future narratives and prioritize collective well-being.
Deep dives
Need for Diverse Perspectives in Foresight
The field of futures and foresight has traditionally been dominated by voices from the Northern Hemisphere, leading to a lack of representation for the Global South. This gap highlights the need for diverse perspectives to enrich conversations and practices in foresight. The recognition of colonial futures and the importance of incorporating insights from the Global South is growing, spurring a desire among practitioners to develop a community to share knowledge and experiences. This initiative aims to elevate underrepresented voices and foster a more inclusive discourse around future studies.
Establishing the Global South Futures Community
The creation of the Global South Futures community was fueled by the increasing interest in futures practices from this region. Practitioners in the Global South have been developing tools, methods, and case studies that reflect unique contexts and challenges, prompting the need for collaboration and shared learning. By establishing this community, members aim to facilitate South-South foresight exchanges, enhancing the quality of foresight practice in the Global South through collective knowledge. The initiative seeks to address the need for better coordination and interaction among foresight specialists in these diverse regions.
Reframing Foresight Practices
A key focus of the conversation centered around reframing the understanding of foresight beyond just techniques and methodologies. It involves exploring how cultural, linguistic, and spiritual elements shape perceptions of the future, emphasizing the importance of relationality. The participants highlighted the need to decolonize foresight practices by incorporating diverse worldviews that respect and recognize the interconnectedness of past, present, and future. This shift could lead to more holistic approaches to futures thinking, fostering a deeper engagement with the socio-cultural fabric of societies.
Decolonizing the Future: Justice and Inclusivity
Decolonizing the future entails a commitment to repairing past injustices while broadening the voices involved in shaping future narratives. The discourse emphasized restorative practices that prioritize collective well-being over punitive measures, contrasting traditional justice systems with more integrative approaches that heal societal divisions. The participants advocated for a futures framework that is inclusive and respectful of diverse cultural perspectives, encouraging an environment where marginalized voices are not only heard but integrated into future planning processes. Such a framework could help redefine relationships with nature, ancestors, and community, ensuring that everyone has a stake in shaping collective futures.